Statement of Priorities

Statements of Priorities (SoP) are key accountability agreements between Victorian public health services and the Minister for Health. The annual agreements facilitate delivery of or substantial progress towards the key shared objectives of financial viability, improved access and quality of service provision. The content and process for preparation and agreement of the annual Statement of Priorities is consistent with sections 65ZFA and 65ZFB of the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic).

Statements of Priorities are consistent with the public health services’ strategic plans and aligned to government policy directions and priorities.

A Statement of Priorities consists of four parts:

Part A provides an overview of the service profile, strategic priorities and deliverables the health service will achieve in the year ahead.

Part B lists the key financial, access and service performance priorities and agreed targets.

Part C lists funding and associated activity.

Part D forms the service agreement between each health service and the state of Victoria for the purposes of the National Health Reform Agreement.

The mechanisms used by the Department of Health to formally monitor health service performance against the Statement of Priorities are outlined in the High Performing Health Services: Victorian Health Services Performance Monitoring Framework.

Statements of Priorities include funding and targets confirmed at the time of signing. Further funding may become available throughout the year and targets will be revised accordingly.